Purchasing € in spain

For a weeks holiday money I'd just use M&S or the Post Office.

Many here will have their own pet methods of exchanging money so you'll likely get varied suggestions which will leave you more confused than informed and if you start running around when you get here seeing who's offering the best deal on the day you'll waste time and probably spend more than you'll ever save.

The best deal every time is to find somebody who wants or needs some sterling and do an exchange with them at the middle of the days buy/sell rates.

Whatever you do DON'T do it at the airport !!!!!!!

Hi delia, at the moment the Business Retail exchange rate has dropped to about 1.15 . If you can get 1.13 over the counter today it sounds a decent deal.

It could go up, it could go down, but if you are jetting off this Saturday there isnt much scope for it to be rising much to impact on a weeks hols spending money.

LeckyLes

If you are close to an M&S, they always used to run their FE on very tight margins because once there you're going to buy other things as you walk past! A quick check online and it seems their rate today is 1.14. If not, as above, the Post Office is always a good bet and you can always ask if they will rate match if you take proof. When I worked for a travel agent we would nearly always match rates, except M&S.

Central European Bank rate is currently 1.1531 so if M&S are offering 1.4 I'd get there quick !

Hi to everyone 

who has replied to me :) and a great big thank you xxxxx

Use your card. 

Next time you come get a Transferwise card!  Just be careful drawing cash you can load with GBP and it is converted at an excellent rate or you can load with euros or a combination of the two they sre great.

hi willy

many thanks for that sir x

I have a transferwise FX account and have my Euros paid in to my Spanish bank account, then spend with my debit card or withdraw via ATM's

They offer very good rates with a very very small transfer fees...for instance £3-4 for £500 instant  transfer via your UK debit card.

  No other fees from your UK bank. It's cheaper if you use their other option and are happy to wait a couple of days for it to land in your Spanish account.